
Startup Coach Program
About the Startup Coach Program
A Startup Coach helps student entrepreneurs turn ideas into real businesses. They offer one-on-one support on everything from planning and marketing to funding and team building.
The Startup Coach Program is free for all University of Manitoba students and counts toward your UM Experience Record. Book a session—online or in person—at any stage of your startup journey to get feedback, explore ideas, and build your next big thing.
1. Personalized One-on-One Coaching
Get tailored advice to help you shape, grow, and launch your business idea—no matter what stage you're at.
2. Enhance Your UM Experience Record
Earn official recognition on your UM Experience Record for your entrepreneurial involvement.
3. Access to a Broad Entrepreneurial Ecosystem
Connect with Manitoba’s startup network and gain access to resources, mentors, and funding opportunities.
4. Support for Students from All Faculties
Open to all UM students, no matter your program or background—entrepreneurship is for everyone.
5. Proven Track Record of Impact
Join a program that has supported over 160 one-on-one sessions and reached 3,100+ students last year.
Student Testimonials
About Ben Isakov

Who is Stu Clark Centre Startup Coach?
Ben seamlessly integrates his wealth of business expertise into the academic realm. In his role as the Start Up Coach, he bridges the gap between academia and industry, leveraging his Business Breakthrough Strategist and Exit Planning Advisor background to cultivate strategic partnerships and provide invaluable support for ventures.
Ben's commitment to fostering innovation and guiding emerging entrepreneurs aligns seamlessly with the university's mission, making him an instrumental figure in driving collaborative success and facilitating the transformation of groundbreaking ideas into sustainable, real-world business ventures.
Book meeting with Startup Coach
To set up your free meeting with the Startup Coach, please follow the steps below:
- Set up your Startup Tree Account.
- Click "Mentor" on the top menu
- Click the blue button "Book Meeting Now". From here you can view a calendar and book in a meeting at a time that is convenient for you.
- If there are any materials you would like us to review before the meeting, please send through the Startup Tree platform
Have questions? Stop by our office at 212 Drake Centre or email us - ben.isakov@umanitoba.ca
Fast Lane Coaching
Entrepreneurial Resource Hub
Stu Clark Centre for Entrepreneurship
Room 212 Drake Centre
181 Freedman Cres.
University of Manitoba
Winnipeg, MB R3T 5V4